Clearing up the confusion: Exceptions to the distracted driving law

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- In just over a week, Oregon's new distracted driving law goes into effect, making it illegal to hold or use an electronic device while driving.

Already, the new law has raised a lot of questions.

In order to help clean some things up, we spoke with Springfield Police Officer Tom Speldrich.

Can you use a hands-free device?

"If you're able to use the feature of it with the ability to maintain both hands on the steering wheel and drive the car, then that's allowed for by the law."

Can you use your phone at a stoplight?

"No."

Can you use your phone if you pull over?

"If you're safely stopped in a parking spot or a designated saw stopping area, then yes."

What about speaker phone?

"Anybody that's used a speaker phone while they're in the car knows that it's very hard to hear the phone call, and inevitably that's going to tempt you to pick up your phone and bring it closer to you. So it's certainly best to just plan on using something better than that."

What about GPS?

"You know where you're gonna go when you leave in your car - punch that direction in before you pull out on the roadway. If plans change and you have to go somewhere else, just pull your car over, put the new location in and then start driving again. Have it talk to you."

Speldrich says the intent of the law is to keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

As long as you can do that, you're probably acting within the realm of the law.